Current diagnosis and therapy in sarcoidosis

Vnitr Lek. 2020 Fall;66(7):409-413.

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a disorder of unknown etiology, that may affect any organ in human body, most often lungs and lymph nodes. New diagnostic guidelines and new treatment recommendations were recently published. Since differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis is broad, diagnostic algorithm has to be complex. Diagnosis needs to be confirmed before initiation of any any treatment regimen - it is a severe mistake to start treatment before confirmation of diagnosis (histologic pattern of epitheloid non necrotising granuloma, exclusion of other possible causes of granulomatous diseases, exclusive situations mentioned in the article body). Not every patient with sarcoidosis needs pharmacologic treatment. Treatment decision should involve extent of involvement, risk of damage of affected organs and patient symptoms. While in patients with Löfgren syndrome both histologic verification and systemic corticotherapy is not needed (systemic corticotherapy should be avoided), pharmacologic treatment is necessary in patients with myocardial involvement.

Keywords: sarcoidosis; diagnosis; granuloma; sarcoidosis; therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Granuloma / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes
  • Sarcoidosis* / diagnosis
  • Sarcoidosis* / therapy